The City of Berkeley recently completed 18 months of ambient air monitoring in the vicinity of Harrison Park located at 5th and Harrison Streets. The air quality at this park regularly exceeds state standards for particulates. The particulates in the air at this location could, over an extended period of time, exacerbate existing conditions in both children and adults. Children and adults with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac illness should not live in the area for extended periods of time.

These particles are produced by sources such as adjacent industrial facilities, automobiles, railroad, and soils. The City of Berkeley Transfer Station immediately to the west of the site has implemented mitigations to reduce the particulate matter generated by this facility and will continue to implement additional mitigations throughout 2003.

If you have questions, call your doctor. For more information about possible health problems that arise from exposure to high particulate levels, see the attached Harrison Park Air Quality Study.

The public meeting room and the playing fields (when available) can be reserved by calling the Association of Sports Fields Users at 981-5161.

History

In the mid-1990s, there was substantial demand for more recreational playing fields and for a skate park. In response to this demand, the City purchased the land at Harrison and Fifth Streets from the University of California in March 2000, and construction of Harrison Park began in April 2000. The playing fields were opened for the first season of play in September 2000 and are dedicated in memory of Gabe Catalfo, a courageous Berkeley High School student and soccer player who died of cancer in 1998.

The park is located in an industrial area. Park users are advised to respect these businesses and not park in driveways or loading zones. Be aware of truck/commercial traffic.

Restroom Available in the field house

Parking Available on the western side of the park at the end of Harrison Street. Additional spaces are located on the east side of the park on 5th St. Both lots have wheelchair accessible parking spaces.